The new president of Local Government is Stuart Crosby from the Bay of Plenty, and he is right. Successive governments have used immigration to boost their tax income, with no thought of improving the infrastructure to match the growth in population.

No wonder our state highways are so poorly developed.

We try. SH2 was meant to be four-laned by 2015 to match the increase in population at Omokoroa. So last term the new government wiped plans until the election lolly scramble. We have lost another five years, before we see anything tangible to ease congestion.

Stuart is right that before Central Government introduces new policies, it should consult with its partner Local Government, so Central knows what costs it expects ratepayers to be saddled with.

When councillors stand for election in Local Government ratepayers want to know how much the candidates wish list will cost, whereas Central Government elections seem to be all about how much money can come from taxes which in turn can be given to others, with no thought as to the impact and distortions created.

Stuart is right with two tiers of Government, Central and Local, we need to work more closely together. Best Wishes for sorting it out Stuart.

M Murray-Benge